The Impact of a Voluntary Behaviour Change on Peak Oxygen Uptake and the Ventilatory Thresholds in Sedentary People: An Explorative Trial This trial is part of a larger study project: "Sedentarism project"

Abstract

In our modern society employees are increasingly subjected to sedentary jobs and our leisure time is increasingly characterized by sedentary pursuits. This study aimed to determine the impact of sedentary behaviour on peak oxygen consumption (VO2 peak) and the first and second ventilatory threshold in healthy subjects. And to evaluate if a voluntary increase in the physical activity (PA) level, though remaining a sedentary job, has a significant impact on VO2 peak and the ventilatory thresholds. In this study 6 healthy participant were measured twice, separated by two months. During these measurements body composition, blood lipid profile and glycaemic control, as well as blood pressure and resting heart rate were assessed. All participants underwent a maximal cardiopulmonary exercise test and wore an accelerometer (3 times, during 7 days). Primary outcomes were VO2 peak, and ventilatory thresholds (VT1 and VT2). Baseline and follow-up measurements were compared by means of paired t-tests and Wilcoxon Signed-Ranks Tests for paired samples. Bivariate and multiple linear regression analyses were conducted to investigate the cross-sectional associations between the primary outcomes and accelerometer derived measures of PA. Findings suggest beneficial effects of a voluntary behaviour change on cardiorespiratory fitness. Cross-sectional analyses found relations at baseline for VT1 and LIPA, vigorous PA and % sedentary time, but not at follow-up. Future studies containing larger samples are needed to verify these results.